Surname Westerhausen - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Westerhausen: What does the surname Westerhausen mean?
The last name Westerhausen is of German origin and derives from the Old German term “Westarhusen,” meaning “western house.” This surname was likely given to individuals who lived in dwellings located in the western part of a settlement. In some cases, it may have also been used to identify those who had moved from the east.
Over time, this German name has become common in many parts of the world. It is particularly common in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. In the United States, Westerhausen remains a relatively uncommon surname; as of 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau does not have any data on the prevalence of this name in America.
The Westerhausens were likely a large family in Germany for centuries, with multiple branches that eventually spread out across Europe. Today, many individuals who bear this last name are descendants from this original family. It's possible that the original lineage may have been wealthy, as the word “hausen” in German terms is often associated with grandiose properties.
One branch of the Westerhausen family may have been in operation as far back as the 15th century; mentions of the term appear in German records from that time. Although few can trace their roots back so far, the Westerhausens of today may be related to those first individuals who adopted the name.
Order DNA origin analysisWesterhausen: Where does the name Westerhausen come from?
The last name Westerhausen is a habitational name, meaning it is associated with a place. It's a name mostly found in northwestern Germany, particularly in Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. It is derived from two words meaning western and houses, referring to a settlement or a group of houses that was located in the western part of a larger area, such as a village.
Today, the last name is still common in Germany and there are many communities with the name Westerhausen in both Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. The small municipality of Westerhausen, located in the Harz mountains of Lower Saxony, is even the namesake of the last name.
Outside of Germany, the surname is found in countries like the United States, Argentina, Canada, Brazil, Chile, and Australia. Here, it has been carried by families with Germanic roots who immigrated in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Westerhausen name probably arrived in these countries with settlers from the north German areas mentioned before, giving birth to small isolated communities which have been able to preserve some of their ancestral customs to this day.
Regardless of where the name is found in the world, its origin remains the same. It is a tribute to its Germanic roots and the people who first settled the land between the Rhine and Elbe rivers hundreds of years ago.
Variations of the surname Westerhausen
Westerhausen is a German surname of Germanic origin, deriving from the word ‘Wester’ (meaning ‘western’) and ‘hausen’ (meaning ‘small house’). The variants, spellings and surnames associated with Westerhausen are Westhousen, Westhausen, Westerhousen, Westhaus, Westinghouse, Westhause and Westerhaussen.
Westhousen is a common variant of the name that can be found primarily in Germany. It is derived from the same source as Westerhausen, but with a different spelling of ‘housen’. Westhausen is another variant that can be found in Germany, derived from the same source but with a different spelling of ‘hausen’.
Westerhousen is an American spelling of this surname, derived from the same source but with a different spelling of ‘housen’. Westhaus is another American spelling of this surname. Westinghouse is an American surname derived from the same source, but ending with ‘inghouse’ instead of ‘hausen’. Westhause is an alternative spelling of Westhousen, containing the original German spelling but ending in ‘ause’ instead of ‘housen’.
Westerhaussen is the most common spelling of this surname, commonly found in the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. It is derived from the same source, but with a different spelling of ‘hausen’. This variant is distinct from the Germanic spelling of the name, and can be found in several variations in different regions.
Famous people with the name Westerhausen
- Lothar Westerhausen, German actor.
- Alexander Westerhausen, German professional footballer.
- Kurt Westerhausen, German actor, director and writer.
- Valerie Ann Westerhausen, American actress.
- Reiner Westerhausen, German politician.
- Valina Westerhausen, German radio journalist and writer.
- Hermi Westerhausen, German musician and actor.
- Antje Westerhausen, German theater and television actress.
- Erich Westerhausen, German photographer.
- Susanne Westerhausen, German actress and director.
- Karl-Otto Westerhausen, German journalist and author.
- Eva Westerhausen, German opera singer.
- Walter Westerhausen, Swiss photographer.
- Klaus Westerhausen, German actor and director.
- Jutta Westerhausen, German painter and sculptor.
- Lutz Westerhausen, German composer and conductor.
- Ferenc Westerhausen, Hungarian artist and painter.
- Ulrich Westerhausen, German neuropsychologist.
- Thomas Westerhausen, German badminton player.
- Peter Westerhausen, German sound engineer.